This timely collection of favourite pieces comes across as very welcome in these Christmas times. Carl Davis provides some lovely arrangements of well tried and much loved pieces such as 'White Christmas' and 'Silver Bells' but he also includes a number of rarities that make for intriguing listening.

Rutter's 'Nativity Carol' is one of those splendid discoveries whilst 'The world you're coming into' from Paul McCartney's exquisite 'Liverpool Oratorio' is also given the full-blown symphonic treatment. The Hallé's recording is a model of clarity and the wonderfully stark presentation is also a fine complement to the package.